Synthetic Oil Users - At what mileage did you switch?

Have a new 2014 Tacoma Sport. As always, will do my own maintenance including oil changes.

Do so search here and at BITOG but can't find a definitive answer. Thought I'd ask you guys.

At what mileage did you switch from conventional to synthetic?

Thanks, great site...feel free to offer suggestions, opinions, death threats...I'm pretty open.

 

I started using synthetic from the very first oil change I did. No sense in using sub-par oil and then switching later. The sooner you use synthetic, the better.

 

I had my first oil change at the dealership at 2500 using dino oil. At 5K I did changed the oil myself to synthetic. I usually switch it up between PP and Mobile 1 and run only Toyota filters.

 

At 3000 miles I drained factory oil, changed filter & added Mobil 1.

 

Thanks guys. Pretty much what I'm hearing when I put everything together.
Always ran Toyota filters on my 06 (Wix occasionally).

Wife's 2012 Rav4 came with 0w-20 full syn so I've come to look for sales. Walmart is always good for gallon when needed.

 

Did the first oil change at 5000 miles myself and switched to Mobil 1.

 

did a break-in change at around 2k, Mobil 1 synthetic since then

 

Mobile 1 and TRD filter every 5k, I also use an oil catch can with an external filter that is replaced with every oil change.

 

I guess I could search but I'll just ask...what is "an oil catch can with an external filter"

 

An oil catch can is like an in-line filter. Your line that runs from your PCV valve back to your intake takes with it impurities/gunk. If you install an oil catch can(for relatively cheap) it helps to trap the gunk and results in a cleaner running engine. You don't need an external filter unless you have a SC. Here's an install guide that also shows pics of what was removed by the oil catch can over time.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/231227-oil-catch-can-install-guide.html

 

My truck began getting synthetic (Pennzoil Platinum) at 45k. Its been 30k since that and I don't plan on switching back

 

Thanks kenneth.morris07...

I just got a little smarter. Doing this right after my rear diff breather mod. Dealer just called. Parts are in.

 

I switched to Mobil1 at 30k miles after Toyota Care ran out.

 

Same here.

Toyota filter with Walmart Mobile1. I drive a lot so I change oil every 7000 miles with a new filter at 3500 miles so 1 oil change for 2 filters.

 

Mobil 1 at 5000 Miles

 

Man.... I have got to install one of those. I keep forgetting to do it with all the other mods I get in to. Well worth the time and effort.

 

One vehicle at 10,000 miles and newest vehicle at 6,000 miles. Run Mobile 1 and also run an oil catch can.No problems so far.

 

I've been meaning to do it for forever. I finally got around to getting it done last week. It's so easy to do. Literally a 15 minute install.

 

Theres two sides to the oil catch can story..

1. it takes the oil mist out of the intake reducing the "crap" the motor burns etc.

2. it takes the oil mist out of the intake causing there to be no oil mist lubrication of the exposed valve stems and upper cylinder....


I know those who run a catch can on their water craft often have rust issues on their intakes and upper cylinders, while those who dont have no issues.



That stated, switched my truck to syn at 10k miles, saw a lil mpg increase too.

 

Changed mine to synthetic at 500 miles, and will be doing all the future oil changes myself also....